National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

Amateur radio operators and National Weather Service (NWS) employees nationwide participated in the tenth annual Skywarn Recognition Day Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6.  The event is held to recognize the contributions amateur radio operators make to public safety during severe weather.

During the event, amateur radio operators use various radio bands to make contacts with radio operators across the United States and in other countries.  At the Rapid City NWS office (call sign WX0UNR), members of the Black Hills Amateur Radio Club and Northeast Wyoming Amateur Radio Association, contacted 33 stations in 19 states and one Canadian province.

The NWS works closely with amateur radio operators who participate in local volunteer "Skywarn" networks.  They relay real-time reports of severe storms to help NWS forecasters and emergency officials warn the public about hazardous weather.  They also provide radio communications for local officials during other emergency situations.
 
Visit the national Skywarn Recognition Day page for more information about the event.

Members of the Northeast Wyoming Amateur Radio Association working with the NWS staff

Members of the Northeast Wyoming Amateur Radio Association making contacts

 
NWS office tour

Northeast Wyoming Amateur Radio Association with NWS staff